From Battlefield to Boardroom - Military Occupational Specialties with the Best Civilian Job Prospects

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a daunting challenge, whether it be bittersweet or too long in arriving. One of the biggest concerns for veterans is finding meaningful employment that utilizes their hard-earned skills and experience. Infantry and other combat arms especially find “locate, close with, and destroy the enemy” doesn’t translate easily to corpo-speak. Fortunately, many military occupational specialties can translate exceptionally well into the civilian job market, and having been military trained can be the edge that puts you above your competition.

Cybersecurity Specialists (17C / 1721)

In an increasingly digital world, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing. Military personnel trained in cybersecurity possess the technical expertise and vigilance needed to protect sensitive data and systems from cyber threats from foreign enemies. Roles like Security Analyst, Network Administrator, and Penetration Tester are readily available to veterans with this background, and these days pay very well.

Military Training - Cybersecurity specialists in the military receive extensive training in network security, ethical hacking, intrusion detection, and incident response. They gain hands-on experience defending critical infrastructure and sensitive information from cyberattacks.

Civilian Applications - This training translates directly to civilian cybersecurity roles, where veterans can leverage their skills to protect businesses, government agencies, and individuals from cyber threats.

Job Outlook - The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 35% growth in cybersecurity jobs over the next decade, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to excellent job security and high earning potential for veterans with cybersecurity expertise.

Information Technology Specialists (25B / 0681)

The IT field offers a wide range of opportunities for veterans with technical skills. Military IT specialists gain experience in areas like network administration, systems analysis, and database management, which are highly sought after in the civilian sector.

Military Training - Military IT specialists are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting complex computer networks, ensuring secure communications, and managing critical data systems. They often work with cutting-edge technology and gain experience in diverse IT environments.

Civilian Applications - Veterans with IT backgrounds can pursue careers as Systems Administrators, Network Engineers, Database Administrators, or IT Project Managers. Their military experience provides them with the technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities that employers value.

Job Outlook - The IT industry is constantly evolving, creating a consistent demand for skilled professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% growth in computer and information technology occupations over the next decade.

Medical Professionals (68W / 8404)

Military medics and healthcare professionals receive world-class training and gain invaluable experience in high-pressure environments. There are few places that train trauma medicine better than the military, from the live tissue lab to the consistent updates to the Tactical Combat Casualty Care protocols. This makes them highly desirable candidates for civilian healthcare positions, which are no less hectic but decidedly less robust by comparison.

Military Training - Military medical personnel receive comprehensive training in emergency medicine, trauma care, and field surgery. They often work in challenging conditions, providing medical support to troops in combat zones and humanitarian missions.

Civilian Applications - Veterans with medical training can (sometimes) seamlessly transition into civilian roles as paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), registered nurses, physician assistants, or medical technicians. Their experience in trauma care and emergency medicine is particularly valuable in civilian healthcare settings.

Job Outlook - The healthcare industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by an aging population and advancements in medical technology, in addition to all the people in the ER for truly insane reasons. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth across various healthcare occupations, offering veterans ample opportunities for rewarding careers.

Logistics and Supply Chain Managers (LS / 0441)

The military relies heavily on efficient logistics and supply chain management to ensure that troops have the resources they need, when and where they need them. Veterans with experience in this field are highly sought after by civilian companies looking to optimize their supply chain operations.

Military Training - Military logistics specialists are responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies. They gain experience in inventory management, transportation, warehousing, and procurement. Not to mention the monetary value of even a few items in the military logistics chain can cost millions of dollars.

Civilian Applications - Veterans with logistics experience can pursue careers as Supply Chain Managers, Logistics Analysts, Transportation Coordinators, or Operations Managers. Their ability to manage complex operations, solve problems, and work under pressure makes them valuable assets to civilian organizations, even if they can make them grumpy at times.

Job Outlook - The increasing complexity of global supply chains is driving demand for skilled logistics professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in logistics and supply chain management jobs over the next decade.

Engineers (12X / 13XX)

The military employs engineers in various specialties, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering. These veterans possess the technical skills and problem-solving abilities needed to excel in civilian engineering roles.

Military Training: Military engineers are involved in designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure, developing new technologies, and ensuring the operational readiness of equipment and systems. They often work in challenging environments and gain experience in project management, teamwork, and leadership.

Civilian Applications: Veterans with engineering backgrounds can pursue careers in a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and technology. Their military experience provides them with a strong foundation for success in civilian engineering roles.

Job Outlook: The engineering field offers diverse opportunities and competitive salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady job growth across various engineering disciplines, providing veterans with promising career prospects.

These military occupational specialties represent just a small sample of the many career paths available to veterans. The skills, discipline, and leadership qualities developed during military service are highly valued by civilian employers. By leveraging their military experience and pursuing relevant training and education, veterans can successfully transition into rewarding civilian careers and continue to contribute to society in meaningful ways.